Private Explosions and Excitement!!!

[Bido Roz’lyn]

Prex Oda Duun

"And that's what flying is like now…" Bido murmured to herself sadly as her little old BZ-Ceptor set down on the landing pad. She sigh sorrowfully as she shut down her engines and undid her safety harness. Quickly, she clambered out of the cockpit, stepped away from the little craft, and then looked back at it longingly. She rarely ever got to fly these days. And when she did, it was usually in short, A-to-B trips with no real action. Business trips. Meetings. Rendezvous. On lucky days, she would get the odd "emergency hot-shot" task where she could fly fast and take shortcuts. But normally she wasn't allowed to fly too fast in commercial zones to avoid increasing her employer's insurance premiums.

She missed dogfighting. Battle. Action.

Being a procurement officer was not the thing she lived for.

She then turned towards the facility entrance and started making her way towards Prex Oda Duun 's office. Who knows… maybe an assassin or something would attack her on the way?

She just wished she wasn't so damn good at procurement…

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

​

The brutalist architecture of the Tetron Centrex corporate headquarters building left much to be desired; all permacrete and glasteel, it harkened back to the galactic empire buildings of old. It was a monument, if anything, that Tetron would survive and weather the changes of the eras, even as the galaxy changed hands time and time again.

As the old BZ-Ceptor sat down on its pad, a protocol droid, clad in a glossy black plasteel shell, trundled out to the visitor.

"Please state your business, or vacate the premises, per the Bonodan Commerce Act of 843." As it spoke, the droid scanned the newcomer and their ship, sending the information back to Tetron's central servers; the pinniped, though not the ship, pinged back as a whiskered Dornean. A rarity in the galaxy to be sure.

@Bido Roz'lyn

 

[Bido Roz’lyn]

Bido hated this job, but she was actually good at it. She briefly regarded the protocol droid for a moment before she decided to test its ability. Slipping into the Dornean language, she replied, “I am Bido Roz’lyn, procurement specialist for the Braha’ket Fleetworks Conglomerate. I believe I have an appointment to meet with Prex Oda Duun ?”

It would be interesting to see if the droid knew her language or not. It wasn’t a commonly spoken trade language, even in the outer rim. If the droid had the language on file, then it was either of an extremely rare quality like the legendary C-3P0, or Tentron Centrex had anticipated her arrival and had made accommodating preparations. If it didn’t know her language, however, then she might expect more of a struggle when talking to her host.

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

​

“I am Bido Roz’lyn, procurement specialist for the Braha’ket Fleetworks Conglomerate. I believe I have an appointment to meet with Prex Oda Duun?”

The droid cocked its head at the little creature, its internal database not registering the language. Recording what the pinniped was saying, the droid sent it to the Tetron Centrex building, an internal server parsing the language and spitting out a reply, the entirety of the process taking little more than a second. Luckily, it was a feature that they were testing out for future protocol droid models - the fact it was getting some real sandbox testing would make the research and development nerds happy.

<<Indeed, this way please. In the future, please feel free to use the VIP landing pads at the top of the building when parking...>> The droid trailed off, its golden photoreceptors taking in the Ugly on the landing pad. <<...your "ship.">> It seemed Tetron still had some personality bugs to work out.

The droid led the Dornean into the building, the pair passing by a pair of security guards who inclined their heads, but otherwise didn't acknowledge them as they passed through a holoscanner. One short turbolift ride later, and they were in front of a pair of large wooden doors - the droid ushering them in through promptly into Oda's office.

"Thank you, P3R-C, I'll see our guest from here." Oda rose from behind his desk, synthetic skin dull gray, cybernetic eyes shining gold. "Welcome, Bido Roz'lyn, to our humble establishment." Humble was an interesting choice of words - they were in a skyscraper, after all, but perhaps when compared to the gigacorps and galaxy spanning franchises of the Corporate Sector, Tetron still had a way to go. "I was surprised when the modest Braha'ket Fleetworks reached out to us, but Tetron turns away no one."

Sorry for the delay! I'm back from the holidays and will now be posting regularly.
@Bido Roz'lyn

 

[Bido Roz’lyn]

<<Indeed, this way please. In the future, please feel free to use the VIP landing pads at the top of the building when parking...>> The droid trailed off, its golden photoreceptors taking in the Ugly on the landing pad. <<...your "ship.">> It seemed Tetron still had some personality bugs to work out.

Just then, a pressure relief valve blew somewhere inside the hull of her fighter, and, without looking, Bido could hear hydraulic fluids piddling onto the landing pad. Just then, she felt about half a meter tall. "Um… thank you. Please lead the way?"

She followed the droid through the facility, trying to memorize her way through the turns and elevators. Not that she was likely to be in any danger, but she was a soldier, and over a century old. Survival didn't thrive when paired with complacency.

Eventually, she was led right into Prex Oda Duun 's office.

"Thank you, P3R-C, I'll see our guest from here." Oda rose from behind his desk, synthetic skin dull gray, cybernetic eyes shining gold. "Welcome, Bido Roz'lyn, to our humble establishment." Humble was an interesting choice of words - they were in a skyscraper, after all, but perhaps when compared to the gigacorps and galaxy spanning franchises of the Corporate Sector, Tetron still had a way to go. "I was surprised when the modest Braha'ket Fleetworks reached out to us, but Tetron turns away no one."

"Tal'shira veshan, Pra'suun Oda Duun" She formally greeted in the Dornean tongue, and bowed formally. "Your office building is rather tasteful, actually. Efficient, yet not too lean. We expect nothing less, given our shared history"

It then occurred to her that Prex Oda Duun might not be aware of LIKON's history with the Dornean people, so she quickly decided to summarize what she meant, "I should be clear. Many of our people once lived on Damascus Station as members of the Nomadic People's Coalition. Many of our people who worked in the technology sectors there remembered the quality of Likon supplied products at the time. You could say that your brand is popular among my people. Now that our expats have returned to rebuild our home, it is no surprise that many of our technical experts have been praising your company's reputation."

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

"Your office building is rather tasteful, actually. Efficient, yet not too lean. We expect nothing less, given our shared history"

"Thank you for your kind words - we try to keep things minimalist - however, I'm afraid I have no reference for what you mean." Oda replied in the Dornean language, being able to flash load languages being one of the many perks of being synthetic. Cocking his head at the alien, Oda froze in unnatural stillness, his eyes seeming to glow more intensely as he seemed to search his memory for something.

Many of our people who worked in the technology sectors there remembered the quality of Likon supplied products at the time.

Damascus station meant little to Oda, who had spent most of his business and operations in the Corporate Sector. At the mention of LIKON, however, Oda nodded in understanding. "Ah. You're referring to Roth." Oda cleared his throat, a remarkably organic gesture, and perhaps a holdover from his entechment. "I hold great respect for Roth, but you should be informed - Tetron did carry out a hostile takeover of his corporation through Corporate Warfare." As Oda spoke, he rose, walking over to a teapot, pouring the liquid inside into two cups, he walked back over and set the cups down on the desk, offering one to the Dornean. "I must consume a type of algae in order to preserve my entechment. While unpalatable to most, I'm told it closely resembles a seaweed tea that aquatics find enjoyable." He explained.

Oda took a sip, and if Bido partook, he would find it savory, umami-rich, and salty. "Tetron, from tetra, is composed of four subsidiary companies; MidiGen Biologics & Pharmaceuticals, CorTac Armament Systems, FabriDyne Consumer Corporation, and LIKON Engineering Corporation. Roth, along with three other company heads, sit upon a board of which I am Prex over." Oda set his cup down. "With that out of the way...I assume you wish to retain, or obtain, LIKON products and facilities?"

@Bido Roz'lyn

 

[Bido Roz’lyn]

“Oh wow! Thanks!” Bido was seriously impressed by Prex Oda Duun and his hospitality. His use of her language was a nice touch, but showing consideration for her species’ proclivity for “sea” food was taking the whole kelp-cake. Unable to contain her curiosity, and enthusiasm, she accepted the cup and took a sip.

It was absolutely excellent. The saltiness combined with the acidity in a way that was a rarely ever successful to the pallet. She greedily took another sip and smacked her tongue to analyze the flavours more closely. “Oh, that is good! I think… yeah, I think if you let it cool down, added some hot spice to it, and a splash of Dornean barnacle spirits, you’d have a really good dinner drink with that.” She set it down, trying to exercise self control. Damn, it was good.

She pried her eyes away from the tea, and back to Prex Oda Duun , “sorry, yes, in answer to your question. We need to make changes on Dornea. Our premier industry leader, Braha’ket Fleetworks, is slow to change, and has been building the same ships for nearly a thousand years. We are in the process of expanding our facilities, but… retooling has been a major bottleneck. We need a shortcut. A way to supercharge our technology base and start filling hulls with better systems before it’s too…” Bido‘s throat suddenly snagged mid-sentence, for fear of giving too much away, but now that she started, she had to finish, “…late.”

She had been instructed to keep her superiors’ fears as confidential as possible. With the rising tide of the Imperial Confederation in her homeworld sector, Braha’ket was at risk of being displaced by much bigger and scarier corporations that could devour them with relative ease.

They needed an edge here…

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

We are in the process of expanding our facilities, but… retooling has been a major bottleneck. We need a shortcut. A way to supercharge our technology base and start filling hulls with better systems before it’s too…” Bido‘s throat suddenly snagged mid-sentence, for fear of giving too much away, but now that she started, she had to finish, “…late.”

"I see." Oda replied simply. As Bido had ridden up on the turbolift, he had familiarized himself with Dornea - its location on the galactic map, its rich naval traditions, and its proximity to Imperial Confederation space. By sheer cosmic coincidence, Tetron had just concluded an expansive trade agreement with the Imperial Confederation, putting them in a unique situation that Tetron wasn't used to - a position to profit. Oda weighed his options; the truth was they were a Terraforming company that was quickly and rapidly becoming militarized. The demand for resources, combined with a relentless demand for weaponry, meant that Tetron needed every edge it could get to stay relevant. Then there was the whole issue of being under the Corporate Sector's thumb.

"We can come to an arrangement, I think, and relatively cheaply, from your perspective as well." Oda took out a diplomatic datapad, typing in some basic terms. "Tetron would seek access to your old Braha'tok-Class Gunship schematics, as well as access to the Dorean Naval College. To be blunt; Tetron Centrex has no navy for itself, and seeks the means to make its own starships, and crew them with capable admirals." Oda paused in his typing, glancing upward at the Dornean. "In return...Tetron will grant you a Tetron Centrex Franchise License, allowing you to make use of components manufactured by Tetron and its subsidiaries in your new designs."

Oda stared at Bido, eyes unblinking, that mechanical stillness overtaking him once again. "Further, for a transaction of 50,000-100,000 UC, we would be able to grant you a Free Trade Alliance under the Imperial Confederation Free Trade Agreement. This would make you a preferred business partner to Tetron, and grant you the same protections that Tetron is granted under the Imperial Confederation agreement."

Bido Roz’lyn

 

[Bido Roz’lyn]

Bido’s quills stiffened as she listened to Prex Oda Duun spell out his own terms and proposals. They were comprehensive and substantial in their depth. She had been expecting to be able to successfully procure technology, but he was also offering political tools that would help her people navigate the waters of Confederate bureaucracy. Entering into a high profile trade agreement would definitely help to protect her people’s interests and customs. This, she could simply not pass up on. However, her resources were limited, and his price was steep…

It was a good thing she came here with a powerful offer of her own…

She reached for her mug and took a moment to gather her thoughts, and indulge in the algae tea for a sip. Then, her quills flattened in childish embarrassment as she stopped herself from setting the mug down completely, then raised it up to her muzzle for a second indulgent sip, and then hastily set the mug back down, miming an exaggerated attempt to gain self control for the sake of Prex Oda Duun ‘s amusement, assuming an HRD could find humour in such things.

“We are somewhat limited in our reserve of underworld credits, so, we might have to low-ball you on that price. However, lucky for you, I managed to pull some strings with our research and development teams for some extra chips to throw in, if it became necessary. So, my offer is this. 60,000 UC, and we will also supply you with our proprietary gravity refraction technology and specialized tachyon alloy? We may not have a strong enough technology base to compete without your help, but we do have a few aces up our sleeve, and this technology is revolutionary in the right hands. Someone like you can most likely do some amazing things with it, and so access would be a coveted privilege.

“As for the Braha’tok schematics, I see no issue with letting you have them. But expect Dornean officers to send you purchase orders if you decide to put them into production. We need more of them for ourselves as well.” She snorted in amusement.

Her quills then drooped a little, “My only concern with your proposal at this time, though, is your interest in the Dornean Navy College. Not that I intend to deny you access. My people have a lot to teach on the subject of navy traditions. But…” she took another sip. She didn’t like speaking ill of her own people, so she did her best to phrase it in such a way that didn’t make them look bad, “let’s just say, there are drawbacks to the way we live as long as we do. Our training programs take a long time. Very long. Years, even. I’m actually a trained fighter pilot and my time at the academy was not a standard day less than a whole decade. We take our time. Learn carefully, enjoy the process, smell the sea… you get the idea. If you want to send cadets to our college to learn our ways, I’m certain they would be accepted under the terms you described. But even if we do our best to expedite the learning process, it will still take considerable patience from your students to gain a fruitful understanding of our military skills.”

She then blinked her large black eyes as a thought crossed her mind, “you might be better off just straight up hiring on Dornean officers as contractors, actually. Or, at least until your chosen cadets are finished training on Dornea.” She shrugged.

 

[Prex Oda Duun]

Oda listened carefully, nodding along when applicable, shaking his head at other parts - but otherwise let Bido speak. When she finished, Oda nodded, processing, before speaking. "We accept your offer of 60,000 - we've found UC to be a supplementary currency, and we are trying to build up a reserve in order to back our own currency, the Tetron Vertex." Oda waved his hand at the offer of technology. "While generous, I must refuse your offer of proprietary technology. We're in something of a...proving period...with the Corporate Sector. Our ability to create our own industrial base, using our own diplomatic ability and technology, is something that is being heavily examined. While I can accept schematics, I cannot accept outside suppliers. The 60,000 will suffice."

Oda nodded as Bido agreed to share the schematics for the aging Braha'tok Gunships - these were of interest to Tetron in developing mid-sized warships for themselves, and Roth and Landon already had some ideas on how to incorporate them into their burgeoning fleet designs. "We accept these schematics, then, and extend an invitation to purchase to your and your people. Though, what exactly we will do with them, is still a matter of R&D."

Oda listened to Bido's concerns - well founded, given their lifespans - but eventually held up a hand. "This will be less of an issue than you realize. Given my mechanical nature, Tetron has...methods...of condensing and distilling knowledge. Access to lectures, philosophy, textbooks, Dornean historical data, battlefield sensor logs, and the entirety of the Dornean Naval College, will be more than sufficient for what we intend."

Oda paused, typing on his datapad, before inclining his head. "If all terms are agreeable, then I will seal them and sign."

Bido Roz’lyn

 

[Bido Roz’lyn]

"This will be less of an issue than you realize. Given my mechanical nature, Tetron has...methods...of condensing and distilling knowledge. Access to lectures, philosophy, textbooks, Dornean historical data, battlefield sensor logs, and the entirety of the Dornean Naval College, will be more than sufficient for what we intend."

To this, Bido’s quills drooped ever so slightly. For one thing, Prex Oda Duun seemed to be under the impression that all of Dornean tactical databases would be open to his auditors. There would be confidential information, of course – levels of privileged information that even she herself was not privy to after a century of service. Surely he was aware that his people would not be granted unmitigated access to Dornea’s sensitive information? That, and she had one other concern with his assumptions, “it sounds to me that you’re intending to absorb our military doctrines and tactics using little more than a sophisticated auditing process – which is… fine. As long as your people don’t mind being barred from certain sensitive intelligence such as our tactical weaknesses, or proprietary weapons systems.”

She then took another sip of tea before getting to her point, “I am going to warn you, though. Your auditors could find gaps in what they are able to find, if I understand you correctly. They might be able to glean some relatively useful information — I’m assuming through HRD downloading interfaces — but we can’t give you our very best through mere data. Our traditions are rooted moreso in experience and wisdom. You… might find some of that in our anecdotes, famous lectures, or historical events, but… take it from me. I learned more from attending training exercises with old veterans than I ever did from our holos or classrooms. And I trained for ten years solid before they ever put me in an active unit.

“That being said, you might find enough of what you’re looking for in our databases. Perhaps that is enough to fill your needs. Who’s to say, but I be remiss if I didn’t at least share my thoughts on the matter. I do get to be wrong sometimes.” She shrugged.

She then raised her cup of tea towards Prex Oda Duun symbolically, before declaring, “throw in the recipe for this tea, and I’d say your terms are agreeable!”